The Long Interlude With No Robins

I suppose it is going to be a truism that any dedicated bird feeder will experience hot and cold runs for any number of species. In 2008 and into 2009 I experienced a cold run with American Goldfinches. And now, perhaps, I am in a Robin-free zone---again. My last BirdCam photo of one dates to July 30th. I know they are around, as I see them in the woods behind the property (strangely, I don't remember seeing them on the lawn!). I had a bad run in 2008: few pictures in high summer and none between early August and January. I'm deeply curious to see what these characters have in store for this fall and winter. Will they return to the suet? or hold out until they absolutely need it? We shall see...